ABSTRACT
The text Numerical Analysis, Seventh Edition, Brooks/Cole, Pacific Grove, CA, 2001, by R. L. Burden and J. D. Faires, was the primary reference for most of the information presented in this chapter.
8.1.1 APPROXIMATIONS AND ERRORS Numerical methods involve finding approximate solutions to mathematical problems. Errors of approximation can result from two sources: error inherent in the method or formula used and round-off error. Round-off error results when a calculator or computer is used to perform real-number calculations with a finite number of significant digits. All but the first specified number of digits are either chopped or rounded to that number of digits.
